Enterobacteriaceae are also common aetiologies for systemic infection in neonates and to a lesser extend older infants.
Intrinsic contamination of powdered infant formula products with Enterobacter sakazakii and Salmonella has been a cause of significant disease, causing severe developmental sequelae and death.
Most cases of Enterobacter sakazakii meningitis are nosocomially transmitted and are associated with the consumption of powdered milk or infant formula.
The reported fatality are for cases of Enterobacter sakazakii meningitis in pediatric patients is 45%.
Enterobacter sakazakii has been shown appears to be able to survive well in dry conditions and is reported as being atypical, when compared to other members of the Enterobacteriaceae, in its ability to survive.
This organism is extremely heat resistant, can survive processing, and may flourish in the growth media of powdered formula.
Enterobacter sakazakii belongs to the genus Enterobacter of the family Enterobacteriaceae and is a gram negative rode.
While a reservoir for Enterobacter sakazakii is unknown, a growing number of reports suggest a role for powdered milk-based infant formulas as a vehicle for infection.
Enterobacter in infant formula milk
